Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

With just a few simple ingredients and time in the refrigerator, you can make this soft, chewy, and flavorful focaccia bread at home. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or sandwiches, this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread will impress every time with its delightful texture and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples to create this delicious focaccia bread.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy it as a side dish, sandwich base, or snack. It pairs well with various toppings!
• Impressive Flavor: The blend of high-quality olive oil and optional rosemary gives it an irresistible taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy family dinner, this focaccia fits right in.
• Beginner-Friendly: Even novice bakers can successfully craft this bread with minimal effort.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your focaccia bread, gather the necessary tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Plastic wrap
• Baking pan (9×13-inch)
• Non-stick spray
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for mixing your ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Baking pan: Using the correct size ensures even cooking and proper rise of the focaccia.
• Wire rack: A wire rack allows your bread to cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 500 g (4 cups, spoon and leveled) bread flour
• 7 g (2 1/4 teaspoons or 1 standard packet) instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 480 g (2 cups) lukewarm water (see notes for preparation)
• 6 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, divided

For Topping

• Flaky salt, for topping
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary (optional)

How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour. Add the yeast and kosher salt on opposite sides of the bowl to prevent direct contact initially. Use your fingers to mix the dry ingredients together. Create a well in the center and pour in the lukewarm water. Stir with a wooden spoon until a wet, shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Oil the Dough

Drizzle 30 g (2 tablespoons) of olive oil over the surface of the dough. Use your fingers to rub the oil over it. Gently wiggle the dough from the edges of the bowl to coat all sides with oil. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 18 hours, up to 72 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Drizzle another 30 g (2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the center of the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Remove the dough from the fridge. Use your fingers to pull edges towards the center while rotating to form a ball. Transfer it to your prepared baking pan, coating it in olive oil as you turn it. Leave uncovered in a warm place for 3-4 hours until it nearly fills the pan.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Towards the end of rising time, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

Step 6: Dimples and Topping

Drizzle remaining olive oil over dough and rub it into the surface. Sprinkle chopped rosemary evenly if using. Press straight down into dough to create deep dimples all over. Stretch if necessary to fill corners of pan. Finish by sprinkling flaky salt on top.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and pulling away from sides of pan. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before transferring it carefully to a wire rack using a spatula if needed. Allow cooling for another 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Its soft texture and rich flavor make it perfect for any meal or occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy your easy homemade focaccia bread.

As a Standalone Snack

• Enjoy warm focaccia straight from the oven, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil for a simple yet delicious snack.
• Pair with balsamic vinegar for a tangy dip that enhances the flavor of the bread.

In Sandwiches

• Use slices of focaccia to create hearty sandwiches filled with meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables.
• It works wonderfully as a base for paninis or pressed sandwiches.

With Soups and Salads

• Serve alongside your favorite soup, such as tomato basil or minestrone, for a comforting meal.
• Add pieces of focaccia to salads for added texture and flavor.

As an Appetizer

• Cut focaccia into small squares and serve with an assortment of spreads like hummus, tzatziki, or pesto.
• Create a charcuterie board featuring focaccia, cheeses, olives, and cured meats.

Toasted with Toppings

• Toast slices of focaccia and top them with avocado, tomatoes, or even breakfast items like eggs for a satisfying meal.
• Try adding cheese and herbs before toasting for a delicious cheesy bread experience.

For Dipping

• Serve focaccia with flavored oils or marinades for dipping. Garlic-infused oil complements it beautifully.
• Pair it with creamy dips like spinach artichoke or roasted red pepper dip.

How to Perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Making the perfect focaccia requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your easy homemade focaccia bread turns out perfectly every time.

• Use quality ingredients: High-quality bread flour and extra-virgin olive oil enhance the flavor significantly.
• Proper hydration: Ensure the dough is wet and shaggy; this leads to a softer texture after baking.
• Allow proper rising time: Don’t rush the fermentation; longer rise times develop more flavor in the dough.
• Create deep dimples: Pressing firmly into the dough creates pockets that hold olive oil and toppings well.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your focaccia as it bakes; golden brown is the goal!
• Cool correctly: Let it cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess on the bottom.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Focaccia pairs beautifully with many side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to enhance your meal:

1. Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes mixed with basil on toasted bread offer a vibrant topping choice.
2. Caprese Salad: Slices of mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned veggies roasted until tender provide a colorful and nutritious complement to focaccia.
4. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter make for an indulgent pairing option.
5. Italian Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cured meats, and cheeses makes an enticing appetizer alongside focaccia.
6. Spinach Salad: Fresh spinach topped with nuts, cheese, and vinaigrette adds crunch and richness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the Refrigeration: Refrigerating the dough is essential for flavor development. Don’t rush this step; allow it to rest for at least 18 hours.
• Using Cold Water: Always use lukewarm water for mixing the dough. Cold water can hinder yeast activation, leading to a dense texture.
• Overworking the Dough: Handle the dough gently when shaping it. Overworking can lead to tough bread instead of soft focaccia.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Make sure your oven is preheated before baking. This helps achieve a crispy crust and perfect rise.
• Ignoring Dimples: Pressing dimples into the dough is crucial. It creates pockets for olive oil and helps with even baking.
• Neglecting Toppings: Don’t skip adding toppings like flaky salt or herbs. They enhance the flavor and presentation of your focaccia.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep freshness.
• Use within 2-3 days for the best taste.

Freezing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for about 30 seconds, but avoid sogginess by covering with a damp paper towel.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a touch of olive oil if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread gluten-free?

You can substitute bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure you add xanthan gum if it’s not included in the blend.

Can I customize my Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread toppings?

Absolutely! You can use various toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs according to your taste preferences.

What goes well with Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?

This bread pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or as a sandwich base. It’s also delightful served with dips and spreads.

How do I store leftover Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a side dish or as part of a sandwich. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs and toppings for a personal touch. Try this recipe today and enjoy fresh, flavorful focaccia right from your kitchen!